Why do you kids love Diwali? Is it because you enjoy bursting firecrackers and wearing new clothes? Come, join us as we explore how Diwali was celebrated in ancient times! Let’s take a journey with Story Duniya to discover the differences between the past and present celebrations of Diwali and why this festival is so special to everyone—children, younger, and the elderly, a like.
Satyug: A Festival of Purity
In Satyug, there is no historical reason mentioned for celebrating Diwali. However, Satyug was known for its purity, traditions, and religious values. The festival of Diwali began in Treta Yug.
Join us on StoryDuniya as we explore how Diwali started in Treta Yug…
Diwali in Treta Yuga
Many years ago, there were four ages: Satyug, Tretayug, Dwapar Yug, and Kalyug. So, let’s learn when the celebration of Diwali began in Treta yug. Everyone knows the festival is celebrated for a reason, but it started in the Ramayana when King Dashrath had four sons and three queens: Shree Ram was born to Kaushalya, Bharat to Kaikeyi, and Lakshman and Shatrughna to Sumitra.
One day, the time came when King Dashrath’s four sons had grown up, and it was time for them to take over the throne. King Dashrath thought that he could hand the kingdom to his eldest son, Ram, and rest peacefully. However, that did not happen. Kaikeyi, influenced by her maidservant Manthara, became so angry and upset with Ram that she sowed the seeds of negativity in the king’s mind.This ultimately led to Ram’s 14 years of exile, which included 12 years in the forest and 1 year of living in disguise.
Why do we remember Lord Ram during the Diwali festival?
After 14 long years, Ram, Sita, and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya. The people welcomed them with joy and celebrated together. On this day, they lit lamps, made rangoli, and prepared sweets to mark Ram’s homecoming. This festival is also known as Deepawali, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Thus, the celebration of Diwali is closely tied to Ram’s return to Ayodhya.
In the past, children, adults, and the elderly lit lamps, made sweets, and decorated every home with rangoli and diyas. Every house was adorned with flowers, creating a joyful atmosphere. Everyone came together to celebrate the festival.Then came the Dvapara Yuga. Let’s explore how Diwali was celebrated during this era.
The History of Diwali in Dwapara Yuga
- After Treta Yuga, the Dwapar Yuga came, and during Diwali, people understood the importance of devotion and worship. In this era, people worshipped Lord Krishna, who represents dharma and justice.
- During Diwali, happiness filled the homes, and people decorated their houses with rangoli and lit diyas. In Dwapar Yuga, the significance of devotion and worship was well understood, and more people participated in the celebrations.
- In today’s modern age, we also worship God during Diwali. In Hindu culture, schools have holidays for 15 to 20 days during Diwali, giving children a chance to enjoy a mini vacation.
- Diwali celebrations start with Dhanteras, when we worship Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health. On this day, we pray for our well-being. Nowadays, people also worship Goddess Lakshmi and offer prayers for gold and silver.
- We pray to Lord Dhanvantari for good health, make some sweets at home, and clean the house to prepare for the festivities. We create beautiful rangoli designs and burst crackers. On this day, we purchase gold and silver jewelry to bring good fortune and prosperity.
- On Kali Chaudas, we worship Lord Hanuman and light up our homes with diyas. We also worship Goddess Kali to protect ourselves from negativity. On this day, we don’t start any new work instead, we focus on prayers, light diyas, and let’s children enjoy bursting crackers.After Dwapar Yug, Kalyug has begun.
Kaliyug Ki Diwali: Traditions with Modern Celebrations
After Navratri ends, people start preparing for Diwali by cleaning their homes and decorating them beautifully. Children, parents, and grandparents all come together to celebrate this festival, and everyone enjoys it. Diwali is a 5-day festival, but it actually starts even earlier with Dhanteras.
DHANTERASH
- On Dhanteras, people worship “Dhanvantri,” the god of health, and Ayurveda, who is also considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Dhanvantri appeared from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), holding a pot of nectar in one hand and a holy book in the other. On this day, we pray to the god of health for good health and well-being. Many people also worship wealth on this day.
- People decorate their homes with fresh flowers, lights, and Rangoli (colourful designs made with handmade colours). Rangoli is believed to drive away negative energy from the house. Lighting candles and diyas (lamps) brings joy and a fresh, festive feeling to the home.Children especially love Diwali. They enjoy shopping for new clothes, eating sweets, and bursting firecrackers. It’s a time filled with fun and excitement for them.
- Dhanteras is considered a very auspicious day to buy gold and silver. There’s a story linked to this belief. It’s said that on this day, astrologers predicted that King Hima’s son would die from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. To protect him, his wife piled up gold and silver at the door and lit lamps all around. When the god of death, Yamraj, came dressed as a snake, he got ‘scared ‘of’ the light and couldn’t enter the room. Instead, he sat outside listening to the stories and songs sung by the prince’s wife all night. This saved the prince’s life, marking a new beginning for him.Because of this story, Dhanteras is considered very lucky for buying gold and silver. It is believed that the wealth spent on this day returns many times over.
KALICHAUDAS
- In India, and in many countries around the world, people believe in ghosts and spirits. Almost everyone is afraid of something. Are you afraid of ghosts? Do you know if ghosts really exist? And if they do, who has actually seen them? I don’t know if ghosts are real, and honestly, I don’t want to know.
- Have you ever tried to understand why the night of Kali Chaudas is called “Terrifying Night?” In many countries, the night of Kali Chaudas is referred to as the “Night of the Demons.” Unlike other countries, Halloween is not as prevalent in India, but there are many places where people still believe in superstitions. They remember this night by the name Kali Chaudas.
- So, let’s talk about what happens on ‘Kali Chaudas.’ I remember seeing something on TV a long time ago about what happens that night, and even now, when I think about it, I get scared. On that night, we don’t go outside the house.
- In Kali Chaudas, the word “Kali” means darkness, and “Chaudas” means 14, as it is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha). In India, on Kali Chaudas, people worship Maa Kali or the goddess of power. This day is celebrated to remove laziness and evil. On this day, it is believed that we should not wear new clothes or even apply perfume.Specifically, girls should not keep their hair open .
- Some people also perform tantric rituals and black magic on Kali Chaudas. It is said that Maa Kali killed the demon “Narakasura” on this day, which is why people perform Narak Puja. This day is about getting rid of evil and bringing light into life.Indian Halloween, or Kalichaudas, is celebrated to ward off evil spirits or ghosts from the home.
- The day before Diwali is called Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali. Both Kali Chaudas and “Indian Halloween” are believed to be connected in some way, as they both involve driving away evil spirits and bringing light out of darkness.
- Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated not only in India but also around the world. In many countries, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Although it is primarily a Hindu festival, many people of different cultures also celebrate it. Diwali is a festival of lights, joy, and happiness, observed on the day of Kartik Amavasya. The festival lasts for five days, starting from Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj.
- During Diwali, people wake up early in the morning to clean their homes and prepare for the festivities. They visit temples and perform prayers to Mahalakshmi. Business people worship “Mahalakshmi” and their account books, seeking blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
History of Diwali
The historical significance of Diwali lies in the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. After completing 14 years of exile, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, where the townspeople celebrated by lighting lamps, cleaning their homes, and preparing sweets to welcome him. They also created colorful Rangoli designs. Since then, this festival has been celebrated collectively, with cultural programs, food, and joy.
On Diwali, children, parents, and grandparents enjoy bursting fireworks and having fun together. The night sky fills with fireworks, and families visit each other’s homes to celebrate. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali (also known as Dipavali) is celebrated not only in India but also around the world. Many countries celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm. Diwali symbolizes lighting, happiness, and joy, and it is celebrated on the day of Kartik Amavasya. The festival lasts for five days, starting from Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj.
On Diwali, people wake up early in the morning, clean their homes, and visit the temple. Many worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth. Business owners pray for their accounts and seek blessings for the coming year. Since then, this festival is celebrated collectively, featuring cultural programs where everyone enjoys food, drinks, and festivities together.
During Diwali, children, parents, and grandparents burst firecrackers and have a lot of fun. The night sky is filled with fireworks, and families visit each other’s homes to celebrate. Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness and goodness over evil.
“This Diwali, we bring a new animated story for kids! Watch how every corner fills with lights and happiness.”
New Year and Govardhan Puja
The new year begins with Diwali night and is also referred to as Govardhan Puja. The festivities start with fireworks that continue into the night. People create new rangoli designs, using clay as a base, drawing patterns, and filling them with colors. The vibrant colors symbolize welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, bringing positivity and joy to the home. Rangoli is an ancient tradition where people showcase their creativity, passed down through generations.
On the morning of the new year, people perform Govardhan Puja in temples, also known as “Annkut.” When Lord Indra sent rain, Lord Krishna went to Vrindavan and saved all the villagers. This day reminds us of that event. This practice of offering Annkut (a variety of food) in temples has continued ever since.
On New Year’s Day, everyone wakes up early, gets ready, and seeks blessings from elders while wishing each other a Happy New Year. They also share sweets. People visit temples to pray for the new year and go to the homes of close relatives, touching their feet to offer greetings for the new year. Everyone enjoys and has a great time.
BHAIDOOJ
Bhai Dooj, celebrated the day after Diwali, is also known as Bhaiya Dooj or Bhai Beej. On this day, brothers invite their sisters for a meal, and sisters lovingly visit their brothers’ homes to perform rituals and offer prayers. Together, they share a meal, and in return, brothers shower their sisters with love, blessings, and gifts, making their sisters extremely happy. This festival strengthens the bond of love, bringing prosperity and joy to their relationship.
Swastika
An ancient legend comes to mind that I’d like to share with you, rooted in the Dvapara Yuga. “Lord Krishna had a younger sister named Subhadra, who loved him dearly.” One day, Subhadra expressed her concern for her brother’s well-being. On the occasion of Bhai Dooj, she drew a Swastika symbol at the door of their home and performed a special prayer for Krishna’s safety. This act marked the beginning of the tradition of sisters praying for their brothers’ protection. Lord Krishna blessed his sister, ensuring her love and security.And from that time onward, the festival of Bhai Dooj has been celebrated. Sister Subhadra.
While we place the Swastika at the entrance of our homes throughout the year according to Hindu beliefs, drawing it on the door during Diwali specifically helps to remove negativity and symbolizes protection. The Swastika symbol is considered very auspicious. We also place the symbols of “Labh” (profit) and “Shubh” (goodness) at the entrance. This is believed to bring happiness and prosperity to the home.Bhaidooj is a festival that brings everyone together. It represents the eternal bond between siblings, emphasizing love and mutual care for all.
conclusion
Finally, our festivals are so enjoyable that words can’t capture the joy they bring! As we’ve discussed Hindu beliefs, the four yugas, and how everyone celebrates the five days of Diwali with happiness, it’s essential to understand the significance of the Swastika. Everyone knows its importance.
StoryDuniya is a platform where we share our thoughts, morals, and lessons with children, teaching them new and practical knowledge through exciting stories. Kids quickly learn our captivating tales. So, come and celebrate with StoryDuniya. Happy Diwali! Keep listening to and watching our delightful stories.
So, children, have you bought new clothes or firecrackers for Diwali? Share your excitement with us on StoryDuniya! Wishing you a happy Diwali and a Happy New Year!
